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Charity Starts at #Homecoming for Clan

The Braehead Clan were on home ice for the first time in five weeks when they faced off against the Dundee Stars on Saturday, and they marked the occasion in style with a big #Homecoming event, all in the name of charity.

In conjunction with kit manufacturer Warrior, the Clan donned jerseys inspired by club mascot Clangus – a highland cow. The limited edition jerseys, short shells and socks weren’t just designed to pay homage to Clangus though, and were specially commissioned to help raise money for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

After the game, a charity auction was held for the highland cow kits, where Clan fans managed to raise more than £4000 – with every penny going to charity. Players were also in attendance during the auction on-ice auction, and winning bidders had the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the player whose shirt they won.

In addition to the charity auction, Saturday’s match also saw the Clan’s annual ‘Air the Bear’ event take place. The popular event encourages Clan fans to bring teddy bears with them to the game, which are then thrown on to the ice rink from the stands to celebrate the first Clan goal of the night.

The ‘aired’ teddies are then collected by the rink staff, and are given to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital, when the players’ themselves visit the sick children in the proceeding weeks before Christmas. Around 1,500 soft toys took to the ice.

Braehead Clan’s Hockey and Operations Director, Gareth Chalmers, was absolutely delighted with the success of the charity events;

“A huge thanks has to go to Warrior for their support in making this happen, the players in supporting the idea and most importantly the Purple Army, who helped us raise over £4,000 for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

“When talking to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity about our partnership in the summer, we decided we’d come up with a jersey design that was different and very quirky.

“Everyone loves Clangus, so it was agreed to commission a Clangus/Highland Cow design in support of the charity, but also to celebrate our popular Teddy Toss event.

“As we expected the design got a very mixed reaction, some people loved it and some people hated it.

“However, more importantly, it was about raising money for a very worthwhile cause while also having a bit of fun with the club and the charity, and I believe we achieved that. It was a superb effort.”

While Braehead Clan’s homecoming match didn’t quite go to plan with a 6-3 Elite League loss to the Dundee Stars, the real winners of the night were the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.